I use to have an aftermarket audio system in my previous ride, SEAS Ref speakers, Butler hybrid tubes etc. I guess I also expect a smooth frequency response but given that the car has the worst listening environment, I shifted to home audio. Plus it's just so difficult to do critical listening while driving and talking to someone over the phone.

I most certainly AM, for what the tech package costs and since the amp has (and probably has to have) EQ built-in. No excuse not to make it flat. Don't like good, turn the tone controls! I am used to very high quality sound at home. The really sucky part was I can't buy a CX-5 with BSM and AFL without Blose, or I would have. I hope MazdaUSA reads these threads.

I mis-worded my post... I meant that not many people are looking for flat frequency response. Some crazies are still out there though like you
Generally for most music, an absolutely truly flat EQ is something that most people would not want. It's all about the "V" shape EQ to go along with compressed music (files and sound) today haha.

You should go to a Audiophile forum and see all the sound experts there like here.
As an "Audiophile" and IMO the BOSE system is fantastic for a factory designed sound system so is Harman Kardon. Both get a lot of comments from sound critics (not audiophiles) on vehicle forums from member's.
The 2017-2018 BOSE system in a MAZDA (and other vehicles) for most of the population is most likely the best in sound entertainment they have ever experienced in a vehicle as a factory sound system.

What I found (among other audiophiles) was not so much that the factory sound systems in most vehicles but will refer MAZDA (because Mazda forum)specifically BOSE were *below par (*def. Substandard, not acceptable) but rather that MAZDA save production cost by not having more adequate sound deadening materiel to most all their models. One of the first things a few of us early on regarding designing and building custom sound systems the beginning first stage task and challenge was to remove the complete interior, seats, carpet, door panels,trunk,headliners etc., and zip tie,tape and add what ever to insulate and reduce the noise levels of the outside wold of the vehicle. On some vehicles even under hood insulation wheel well and undercarriage attention to sound deadening material. By doing that any sound systems quality can be improved noticeably.

From this point I will stop because it gets into individual hearing tastes and long debates and arguments what works better for sound equipment for each individual person.

The Bose system is the best sounding factory equipped car system I have owned. I presume there are better, but to my ears it sounds very nice. I leave the Centerpoint option on and boost treble and bass to "7" or "8". Don't let "audiophiles" intimidate you. Check it out for yourself. Sound quality is very, very subjective, so there is no right answer.

My Lexus has Mark Levinson and sounds much cleaner than the Bose in my wife's CX-5. That said, the CX-5 is the best sounding Bose system I have heard. I've always gone along with the saying "Bose blows". They do make great noise cancelling products, though.

The Bose system is the best sounding factory equipped car system I have owned. I presume there are better, but to my ears it sounds very nice. I leave the Centerpoint option on and boost treble and bass to "7" or "8". Don't let "audiophiles" intimidate you. Check it out for yourself. Sound quality is very, very subjective, so there is no right answer.

Time for my favorite guy:

I could NOT be happier with the Bose in my 16, I can't even imagine how much better it is in 17-18-19. Better then my 'home stereo', if you could even call it that. (Also pretty much a sound bar and some Google Homes. lol)

My Lexus has Mark Levinson and sounds much cleaner than the Bose in my wife's CX-5. That said, the CX-5 is the best sounding Bose system I have heard. I've always gone along with the saying "Bose blows". They do make great noise cancelling products, though.

Or: “No Highs? No Lows? Must be Bose!”

Our gen-1 CX-5 should have 11-speaker Bose system like Mazda6 of the same MY’s. But Mazda decided to eliminate two 1” tweeters just next to 3¼" dash speakers against Bose’s design based on a member’s inquiry to Bose, just to save some pennies.

For a car...my attitude has always been who gives a shit. After a certain threshold, I say good enough. It's a car and the listening experience and quality is intruded upon by outside noise. Gen 2 I suppose that factor is much reduced.

For a car...my attitude has always been who gives a shit. After a certain threshold, I say good enough. It's a car and the listening experience and quality is intruded upon by outside noise. Gen 2 I suppose that factor is much reduced.

Well not exactly if you read what it takes in one of my responses here on this thread. However I know you are not into auto sound systems but more about more performance.

Originally Posted by Mikali

The Bose system is the best sounding factory equipped car system I have owned. I presume there are better, but to my ears it sounds very nice. I leave the Centerpoint option on and boost treble and bass to "7" or "8". Don't let "audiophiles" intimidate you. Check it out for yourself. Sound quality is very, very subjective, so there is no right answer.

Exactly!
Besides it like building a RACE CAR the saying goes "SPEED COSTS...HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO GO"? The same is true with audio sound system which maybe I should start and coin the phrase... "SOUND QUALITY COSTS HOW MUCH SOUND MORE CLARITY DO YOU WANT "
LOL!